Brooklyn’s Oasis: Audio Guide to Prospect Park
Description
Discover the hidden stories of New York City's iconic Prospect Park on this self-guided walking tour. Starting at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial, you’ll journey through the stunning Grand Army Plaza and into the park’s serene landscapes. Along the way, you’ll uncover the park’s fascinating history, from its creation by famed architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to its role as a Revolutionary War battlefield. Highlights include the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, Brooklyn’s only forest, and the picturesque Prospect Park Boathouse. This audio guide immerses you in the park’s enchanting beauty, offering a fresh perspective on one of Brooklyn’s most cherished green spaces.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This memorial pays tribute to the 35th president of the United States, set amidst the urban hustle of Brooklyn. It serves as a fitting gateway to the park, offering visitors a quiet space for reflection before entering the park's expansive greenery.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Grand Army Plaza is the grand entryway to Prospect Park. This historic plaza features stunning fountains and statues, including the iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, symbolizing the city's connection to its past.
Bailey Fountain, with its classical sculptures and water features, is a central element of Grand Army Plaza. Its mesmerizing design provides a refreshing start to your journey into the tranquility of Prospect Park.
This triumphal arch honors Abraham Lincoln and the Union soldiers of the Civil War. With its impressive size and grandeur, it is one of the most iconic structures in Brooklyn, offering visitors a moment to reflect on history amidst a modern setting.
Hidden within the Ravine, the Prospect Park Waterfall is a stunning reminder of how nature has been carefully crafted within the city. Part of the park's carefully restored watercourse system, it’s a serene spot for visitors to take in the beauty of flowing water.
This Beaux Arts-style boathouse overlooks the Lullwater and adds a touch of elegance to the natural beauty of Prospect Park. Its historic charm and picturesque setting make it a favorite location for both visitors and events.
A hidden gem, Fallkill Falls is another of Prospect Park’s lovely waterfalls. Tucked away in the park’s wooded areas, it offers a peaceful respite from city life, with the calming sound of rushing water.
This small, historic building once provided water to all of the park’s waterways. Today, it’s a piece of history nestled in the park’s meadows, offering insight into the park’s early engineering marvels.
The Concert Grove Pavilion, with its intricate design and tranquil setting, is where the music of classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven can be enjoyed through audio tours. It’s a space dedicated to celebrating culture and the arts amidst the beauty of the park.
This island is part of the Prospect Park Lake and offers a serene escape surrounded by water. The esplanade, a grand walkway, enhances the beauty of the area and connects visitors to this picturesque and culturally rich part of the park.
Located at the edge of the Long Meadow, the Picnic House offers sweeping views of the park’s largest green space. It’s a popular spot for gatherings and a perfect place to relax after exploring the natural beauty of Prospect Park.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour duration is the walking time as you pass by attractions. It does not include optional time spent at any of the listed attractions
- This route is not wheelchair accessible, but it is a very easy walk suitable for the ages listed. The accessibility selections are accurate.
Reviews(3)
I used Apple Maps along side the tour to help keep me on track. It’s a wonderful, entertaining and educational tour and I highly recommend it to get the most out of a visit to Prospect Park. It’s quite a long walk and there are some stairs involved, so be aware if that presents a challenge for you. Wear comfy shoes and your Air Buds, and bring water and snacks. There are loads of photo ops! Also you will have to walk about 1/2 mi further to exit the park at the end of the tour.
As a local who has been to Prospect Park many times, I could not believe how much I learned from this tour. Apparently all those times I’ve been on the running path I was actually running through a site of the Revolutionary War! Who knew this park holds so much American history and culture like the Civil War, Sandy Koufax, and even Goodfellas and Broad City? This walking route also showed me stunning areas of the park I can’t believe I never knew existed. What a lovely way to spend an evening in Brooklyn! Now I can’t wait to go back to visit some of my new favorite spots in the park
I found this tour extremely entertaining, thoughtful, and easy to follow! Kyle included a great mix of history, nature, and culture. He even had me cracking up at times. I highly recommend it!
